The cries of the wounded echoed through the forest as the Silver Company worked quickly to bind the captured bandits and tend to their own. Though the battle was won, the weight of victory always came with its price.
Dikun Silver stood over the lifeless body of the bandit leader, the dried blood on his sword gleaming faintly in the muted light. The brute's face, once twisted with arrogance, now lay still — a reminder of the fate that awaited those who preyed upon the innocent. But Dikun felt no satisfaction. Only resolve.
"Elira," he called, his voice low. "The prisoners."
Elira, her bow still in hand, nodded. "We followed the tracks westward before the fight broke out. They can't be far."
Dikun turned to Rudric, who wiped the blood from his axe with a rag, his breathing heavy. "Take the men. Gather supplies and tend to the wounded. We'll need horses ready to move as soon as we find the villagers."
"Aye, Captain," Rudric grunted. "And the prisoners?"
"They'll face justice in Rattay. But the villagers come first."
---
The Trail of the Taken
The forest thickened as Dikun, Elira, and a handful of riders followed the faint trail left by the bandits. Broken branches, discarded belongings, and the occasional smear of blood marked the path. Each sign twisted the knot in Dikun's chest tighter.
"They didn't bother hiding their tracks," Elira murmured. "They were overconfident."
Dikun nodded. "And now they'll pay for it."
Hours passed, the sun creeping higher as they pressed on. Finally, the sound of distant murmurs and the crackling of a campfire reached their ears.
Elira crouched low, her sharp eyes peering through the foliage. "There."
Beyond the trees, a small clearing opened. A makeshift camp of ragged tents stood at its center. Villagers, their hands bound and faces smeared with dirt, huddled together under the watchful eyes of the remaining bandits.
There were eight guards, half-drunk and careless. One poked at the fire lazily, while another kicked at the dirt, bored of his own cruelty. The others lounged, weapons within reach but spirits dulled by complacency.
"They think they're safe," Dikun whispered.
"Not for long," Elira replied, her fingers already brushing over the fletching of her arrows.
Dikun raised his hand, signaling the riders. "No mercy for those who steal and slaughter. On my mark."
The Silver Company advanced like shadows through the underbrush. The bandits never saw it coming.
---
The Rescue
"Loose!"
Elira's arrow struck first, burying itself into the chest of the bandit by the fire. A second and third arrow followed in rapid succession, cutting down two more before the others could react.
Dikun charged, his sword gleaming in the midday sun. His blade found its mark, severing the arm of a man who barely had time to scream. The remaining bandits scrambled for their weapons, but the Silver Company was upon them.
The fight was swift. The last of the guards fell, clutching a fatal wound, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Stand down!" Dikun roared, his voice carrying through the clearing. "The Silver Company stands with the innocent. Harm them, and you'll find no mercy."
The villagers trembled, their fear slowly giving way to realization. Relief washed over their faces as they saw the dead bandits and the mercenaries who had come to save them.
A frail woman stepped forward, her eyes welling with tears. "Bless you," she whispered. "We thought we were doomed."
"You're safe now," Dikun said, his voice gentle. "Come. We'll take you home."
---
The Return to Brynstead
The sun dipped low as the Silver Company rode into Brynstead, the villagers trailing behind. The people of the town gathered quickly, their anxious expressions softening as they saw the freed captives.
Eldric, the village reeve, stepped forward, his eyes brimming with gratitude. "You brought them back."
Dikun dismounted, the aches of battle still clinging to him. "We did what had to be done."
Cheers erupted, though Dikun remained stoic. Victory belonged to the people of Brynstead. But the weight of responsibility lingered.
The prisoners were taken to the makeshift village stockade. Eldric oversaw their confinement, but the judgment would fall to Lord Berrick.
---
A Noble's Watchful Eye
Three days later, as the Silver Company repaired the village walls and assisted in the rebuilding efforts, the summons arrived.
A rider bearing the golden stag of Rattay delivered the words in haste.
"Lord Berrick requests your presence, Sir Dikun Silver."
Dikun's expression remained unreadable. He had known this moment would come.
"He knows what we've done," Elira said, her tone cautious.
"Good," Dikun replied, his gaze steady. "Let him see it with his own eyes."
The Silver Company would ride once more. But this time, the battlefield would not be of swords and shields.
It would be one of words, power, and ambition.
And Dikun Silver would be ready.
---
Next Chapter: A Court of Lords and Lies
Dikun faces Lord Berrick at the court of Rattay.
Political intrigue begins to unfold as nobles grow wary of the Silver Company's rise.
Dikun is forced to make a difficult choice — loyalty to the realm or loyalty to his men.